One supports Palestinian human rights. One says he’d keep the $10 million per day flowing to Israel no matter what it does. Which is which? Spoiler alert: 18 pro-Israel billionaires have donated to Buttigieg (see list)
Mike Bloomberg is courting pro-Israel, Jewish voters with conservative-type promises to keep Israel great, and progressive positions on everything else. The Democratic Majority for Israel PAC (DMFI) supports similarly PEP (Progressive Except Palestine) candidates. Both have it out for Bernie Sanders.
“As high-profile endorsements rolled in for Bernie Sanders, one group of Democrats bristled. Democratic Majority for Israel (DMFI), a lobby group filled with Washington insiders, struck back at the outsider who’s been rattling the Democratic establishment…
J Street asked several democratic candidates for president to comment on aid to Israel. Their responses reflect the growing movement in the US to condition aid on treatment of Palestinians – but don’t get too excited.
Overall, Bernie Sanders has taken the boldest stand for Palestinian human rights, but has pulled back to “safe” positions more than once; Elizabeth Warren has a history of support for Israel despite its long, systemic record of human rights abuses, but seems willing to respond to pressure from voters. Neither has advocated for full Palestinian rights and justice. See a detailed report on Sanders’ and Warrens’ position on Palestine…
On the critical issue of Israel/Palestine, Democratic presidential hopefuls reveal a strong pro-Israel leaning that does not match the sentiments of a huge swath of Democratic voters.
Our presidential candidates are neglecting the simple principle that Palestinians are entitled to the same rights as the rest of humanity. Instead, they favor Israel, a state with Palestinian blood on its hands. We must pressure the candidates to engage with this subject, and to come out on the side of justice.
The world was watching as peaceful Gazan protesters met heavily armed Israeli soldiers at the border Saturday. Responses to the violence range from full support to utter denial.